You might have noticed that StrapHabit recently released the StrapHabit TQ18 Q Timex straps! I've become a big fan of the Q Timex line, and have since picked up a bunch of different models to use for photographs and reviews.
Reviews of other Q Timex models can be found here, but today I'm focusing on the newest variant, the Three Time Zone Chronograph. Timex actually released this watch last week. I ordered two of them immediately, and they arrived the next day.
They are available with white, black, or green dials with rubber straps, as well as a black dial with a stainless steel bracelet. As you can see, I picked up the first, and last watches on that list.
First Impressions:
The Three Time Zone Chronograph (aka GMT chrono) has a much more modern look than the standard Q Timex Chronograph (review of that coming soon). The dial looks more modern, with round, raised indices with large lume plots.
Additionally, this is the only Q Timex model that I've seen with a flat mineral crystal. Compared to the domed acrylic of the other models, it is more scratch-resistant (I've scratched a few of my others), but it loses a lot of the vintage charm that you get with plastic and its distortion.
These watches look more bold and modern but feel more like a "regular" Timex than the rest of the vintage-inspired Q line.
Q Timex Three Time Zone Chronograph Details:
Although the crystal does not create extreme distortion, the dial of the Three Time Zone Chronograph still has nice depth. The raised markers and chapter ring sit above the dial, and then the subdials are further recessed.
Additionally, the flat crystal has a beveled edge that does catch some light and plays nicely with the silver numerals on the anodized aluminum bezel insert.
Otherwise, the case features a very similar design to other Q Timex watches, with its sharp angles and brushed and polished finishes.
Wearing the Q Timex Three Time Zone Chronograph:
At 11.5mm thick, the 40mm GMT Chrono is actually a bit thinner than other Q Timex models, despite its added complexity. This is partially due to the flat crystal, but the case also seems to be slimmer. Thus it is quite comfortable.
Legibility is also quite good on both models. I love how the white dial version uses black hands and outlines on the indices (as well as the giant Q logo) rather than polished ones. This makes it more legible and also looks very cool. One friend who owns a Rolex Explorer II "Polar" told me that at first glance he thought that I had bought one.
Night time legibility is also good, as the watches have a good amount of lume. As with the 38mm Reissue version, it's not as bright as a Seiko diver, but it's enough to read in most situations.
The crown is also easier to grip than on other Q Timex watches, as it is larger, and features a rubber ring around it.
The 12-hour bezel is nice, as provides the ability to track additional time zones (more on that later), but it has no clicks. The rotation is very smooth, but it's much too easy to turn. I would often find it inadvertently moved out of place (while wearing, or while taking these photos).
Q Timex Three Time Zone Chronograph Original and Replacement Straps:
Timex does not state what type of rubber that its straps are made from, but I believe that they are silicone based on the softness and attraction to lint. They formed in a Tropical Style, and are lightweight and comfortable, if a bit flimsy.
While the finishing is nothing special, the stainless steel bracelet is the nicest of any of the straps or bracelets on Q Timex watches I've owned. It eschews the flip clasp of other models and instead has a 2-button deployant. The clasp is stamped, but it is quite thin. This bracelet also pulls hair much less than the others.
As I've mentioned, one of the key aspects of all of the Q Timex original straps is their shape. The Q Timex watches all have 18mm lug widths, but fairly thick lugs and square cases. Thus, you can fit a standard 18mm strap to one, but it won't look quite right. This is where StrapHabit TQ18 Q Timex straps come in! They offer a higher quality aftermarket option in a variety of colors! Scroll down to the end of the article to see more photos.
Of course, I'm highly biased, but I feel that they make the Q feel like a more high-end watch, and make it much more enjoyable to wear. My favorite combination is the white GMT with the Red/Black strap.
The Movement:
Timex doesn't state who makes the movement for the Three Time Zone Chronograph. Other Qs use Seiko or Miyota movements, but I have also seen Timex use Chinese calibers, so I am not sure who makes this one. Unlike the standard Q Chronograph, this one has distinct ticks, rather than a sweeping second hand.
If you're into GMT watches, you've probably been waiting to see if I'll get to the point about the operation of this one. While I love a good GMT, the way this one works is a bit...less than ideal. Most watches either have what we call a traveler's GMT movement, or an office GMT movement (read my article here if you're not sure what I'm talking about).
This Timex falls somewhere in between. First, the red hand operates on a 12-hour scale, rather than 24. That's not a huge problem, as the top subdial is linked to that hand, and helps determine AM or PM for the second time zone.
Like a traveler's GMT, if you pull the crown out to the first position, it will jump the standard 12-hour hand (the one with the T inside the circle) forward in one-hour jumps. If you turn the crown the other way, however, it advances the date.
That sounds great until you try to use it. It allows a quicker date adjustment compared to a traveler's GMT and works great if you are heading east.
But if you are headed back west, setting the time correctly becomes cumbersome, as you can't jump the hour hand backwards. You have to advance it around the dial to the correct time, then advance the date by 30 days, as it will likely have changed during this adjustment. This actually makes it more time consuming than a caller GMT to adjust.
The plus side is, with that 12-hour bezel you might not need to adjust the time frequently. Timex calls this the Tree Time Zone, but it can actually track four! My recommendation is to set the two hands to their respective time zones once and leave them there, showing your home time, and favorite second destination. Then use turn the bezel if you'd like to track additional locations.
Conclusion:
While the Q Timex Three Time Zone Chronograph does not have the vintage appeal of some of the other models, not everyone wants that. This version creates a bold and more modern look but still utilizes the attractive angular design of the Q Timex case.
The GMT operation is a bit cumbersome, but that will only be a big issue for frequent international travelers. Otherwise, an additional useful function (and some color and visual interest) is added without increasing the price significantly over the standard Q Chronograph. Overall, Timex has put together another attractive addition to the Q Timex line.
Specifications:
Name: Q Timex Three Time Zone Chronograph
Reference Number: TW2V70100VQ (White) , TW2V69800VQ (Black)
MSRP: $219 (strap), $239 (bracelet)
Diameter: 40mm
Height: 46.3mm
Thickness: 11.5mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Weight: 82g (w/ strap), 134g (w/ bracelet)
Movement: Quartz Chronograph
Water Resistance: 50m
Crystal: Mineral
Crown: Push-pull
Bezel: Friction
Strap/Bracelet: Silicone/Stainless Steel (StrapHabit TQ18 straps also shown)
See and purchase different looks and purchase StrapHabit Straps(View all here):
TQ18 Beads of Rice Bracelets:
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TQ18 FKM Rubber:
TQ18 Sailcloth and Leather Hybrid:
TQ18 Hybrid Sailcloth and Rubber Straps:
